History & Legacy

With a rich history spanning more than a century, Brother has grown from its humble beginnings into the diversified multinational corporation it is today. While its technology and business activities have evolved over time, a foundation of strong leadership and product innovation has remained constant throughout. These qualities remain important today as they were in 1908.

Spirit of Establishment

1908

Kanekichi Yasui established Yasui Sewing Machine Co.

Yasui Sewing Machine Co., a company that provides repair services and parts for sewing machines, was established in 1908 by Kanekichi Yasui, the father of the founders of Brother Industries, Ltd.

1925

Masayoshi Yasui inherited the company and renamed it Yasui Brothers’ Sewing Machine Co.

In 1925, Masayoshi Yasui inherited the company and renamed it as Yasui Brothers’ Sewing Machine Co.

Masayoshi, the eldest of ten children, began helping his father at the age of 9, and at 17 he began working as an apprentice in Osaka.

With the sewing machine market at that time dominated by imported products, Masayoshi had ambitious aims to transform the import-based industry into one that is export-based through domestic production.

1928

The first Brother product was produced

In an effort to produce sewing machines in Japan, a Chain-Stitch sewing machine for the production of straw hats was developed by the Yasui brothers. This sewing machine became popular for its durability, which was greater than that of sewing machines made in Germany at that time.

Sewing Machine Era

1932 - 1947

1932

Brother begins mass production of home sewing machines

Jitsuichi Yasui, Masayoshi's younger brother and co-founder of Brother, succeeded in developing shuttle hooks, a main component of sewing machines.

In 1932, the Yasui brothers successfully introduced the first home sewing machine, made entirely in Japan.

1934

Taking the next step towards mass production, the Yasui Brothers Sewing Machine Shop was liquidated on 15 January 1934. This enabled its incorporation under the name Nippon Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co., which subsequently began to manufacture industrial sewing machines in 1936.

1941

Brother Sales, Ltd. was established as a sales company for the Japanese market

To develop a broader sales network in Japan and increase its market share, Brother Sales, Ltd. was established.

1947

Brother began exporting home sewing machines

At the request of the Japanese government, Brother exported 200 sewing machines to Shanghai. This was Brother’s first step in developing the import-based sewing machine industry into an export-based industry, which was Brother's ambition since its founding.

Diversification Era

1954 - 1964

1958

Diversification and globalisation

Building on the technology it developed through the manufacturing of sewing machines, Brother started to diversify into other business fields. These include knitting machines, home electrical appliances, and other electronics.

In 1954, in an effort to increase exports, Brother International Corporation was established.

With the establishment of a sales base in New York in 1954 and a production base in Ireland in 1958, Brother actively promoted corporate internationalisation ahead of other Japanese companies.

1964

Establishing the Brother brand

The period between 1961 and 1964 was one where Brother gradually established and strengthened its brand.

In 1961, the headquarters building was completed in Japan. In 1962, our corporate name changed from Nippon Sewing Machine Manufacturing Co. to Brother Industries, Ltd.

During the same period, Brother Industries was also listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya stock exchanges. Also, Brother started its move towards the fields of business machines and machine tools.

Mechatronics Era

1971 - 1989

1971

The world’s first high-speed dot-matrix printer is launched

In 1971, Brother successfully developed the world's first high-speed dot-matrix printer, a product considered to be the origin of today's printing technology. For its impressive high printing speed, the dot-matrix printer earned Brother widespread acclaim in Japan and abroad.

1971

Brother experiences continuous growth

Brother was making typewriters in more than 20 languages and exporting them to 110 countries, making typewriters the company’s flagship product alongside sewing machines.

1980

Rapid advances in business and technology

In 1980, Brother developed an electronic typewriter (EM-1) for office use that featured daisy wheel printing using a linear pulse motor, and the product soon acquired an excellent reputation.

Following this, Brother released a unique "labelling system" product, based on thermal transfer technologies developed through the production of electronic personal printers and Japanese word processors.

1987

In 1987, Brother began the production of facsimile machines, further strengthening the company's position in the information and communications equipment field.

Business milestones include:

Providing 3,000 typewriters at the Los Angeles Olympics Games as an official supplier

Becoming the TOP (The Olympic Partner) sponsor for the Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, till 1992

Starting production of business machine parts

Network Era and the Future

1992 - 1995

1992

Pioneering Multi-Function Centres and entered into the field of online karaoke

Brother introduced its new "FAX-600" facsimile machine in the U.S. and it quickly became a big hit, catapulting Brother into the network and contents era.

With its foray into the online karaoke business, Brother expanded its network and content business by offering solutions like content services and next-generation content distribution systems.

1995

Launch of first Laser Multi-Function Centre (MFC)

Brother launched its first Laser Digital Multi-Function Centre (MFC), which integrated printing, faxing, and copying functions into a single unit. This newly-integrated machine helped accelerate the growth of Brother's printing business.

Following the successful launch of the first MFC, Brother introduced the Colour Inkjet Digital Multi-Function Centre. As a result of these product innovations, Brother's information and communications equipment business expanded exponentially.

Other Important Dates

2002 - 2011

2002

Establishment of Global Vision 21 as Brother’s corporate vision

Global Vision 21 was established in 2002 as a mid to long term corporate vision of Brother Group. It sought to strengthen our position as a global organization with a “customer-first” policy in all our operations.

The objectives of Global Vision 21 are:

• To become a leading global company with high profitability
• To become a world-class manufacturer by developing outstanding proprietary technologies
• To embody Brother’s motto "At your side" throughout our corporate culture

2002

Brother achieves TCO standard

Brother becomes the world’s first printer manufacturer to achieve the coveted “TCO” standard, a globally recognised benchmark for excellence in ecology, energy, emissions, and ergonomics.

2008

Marked first 100 years of business.

Brother Group (headquartered in Nagoya, Japan), a leader in home and business IT peripherals that focuses on the 'Customer-First' approach, marked the company’s 100th year in delivering innovative technological solutions, dedicated customer service, and superior product quality.